Symmetry, asymmetry, and the cell cycle in plants: known knowns and some known unknowns

J Exp Bot. 2014 Jun;65(10):2645-55. doi: 10.1093/jxb/ert476. Epub 2014 Jan 28.

Abstract

The body architectures of most multicellular organisms consistently display both symmetry and asymmetry. Here, we discuss some of the available knowledge and open questions on how symmetry and asymmetry appear in several conspicuous plant cells and tissues. We focus, where possible, on the role of genes that participate in the maintenance or the breaking of symmetry and that are directly or indirectly related to the cell cycle, under an organ-centric point of view and with an emphasis on the leaf.

Keywords: Arabidopsis; asymmetric cell divisions; bilateral symmetry; laterality; symmetry; symmetry breaking..

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle*
  • Plant Cells*
  • Plant Leaves / cytology